Ohio University, Nelson Commons Dining Hall Renovations

Athens, Ohio

FIRM

CLIENT

Ohio University

AREA

151,000 sq.ft.

TOTAL COST

$13,347,000.00

COMPLETION DATE

10/2012

Ohio University is a Georgian-style campus that requires a sensitive balance of contextual architecture and the modern needs of student lifestyles. The newly renovated 151,000-square-foot Nelson Commons Dining Hall provides an unmatched dining and retail experience for more than 850 students at each meal service.

The architect re-energized this 1970 building ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCOST PER SQ FT$88.00FEATURED IN2013 Educational InteriorsINTERIOR CATEGORYCafeterias/Food-Service AreasSUB CATEGORYRenovation re-translating the main entry into a light-filled two-story space inviting students to greet each other at a two-sided, 28-foot-tall fireplace clad in travertine panels.

A creative and comfortable Main Street atrium introduces a journey that includes a retail store, the pub-like atmosphere of the South Side Espresso Bar, which has extended hours, and the main dining hall. The concept of exhibition serving enables students to see the food preparation for five gradient colorful branded concepts, including a salad bar, all-day breakfast, barbeque, Italian and Asian fusion.

A banquet space and flexible private dining areas are supplemental features for the culinary department, and allow for a well-rounded and serviceable LEED silver-certified facility.